The Fox Valley’s own divine diva of opera Solange Sior announces her first “Soirée Lyrique,” presenting an “Homage to Verdi” in celebration of the impending 200th anniversary of his birth. The award-winning soprano will be joined by mezzo-soprano Jennifer Kosharsky and pianist Philip Morehead for arias from “Un Ballo in Maschera,” “Don Carlo,” “La Forza del Destino,” “Il Trovatore” and “Ernani.” The countdown has begun to Verdi’s 200th birthday: Oct. 10, 2013.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at the First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1020 W. Highland Ave., Elgin.

When Solange Sior created Elgin OPERA a decade ago, she saw it as an outlet for her love of singing.

But as the group continued to grow and the economy tightened, she found herself spending more time behind a desk than behind a microphone.

The soprano now plans to return her focus to her music. Sior recently announced she has resigned her post as artistic director and de facto executive director to pursue a solo career and expand her teaching.

"It’s a change for good," she said. "I'm still there whenever they have questions. I will be singing with them, but I need to be liberated from all the office work."